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WATER WORLDS: How to enjoy New Caledonia’s STUNNING lagoon

Ten years ago, back in 2008, New Caledonia's lagoon – the largest in the world – was named a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in recognition of its natural beauty and abundance of marine life.

Ten years ago, back in 2008, New Caledonia’s lagoon – the largest in the world – was named a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in recognition of its natural beauty and abundance of marine life.

So we’d like to celebrate the blues, greens and turquoises of this dreamy lagoon by showing you how you can get the most from a visit to this amazing landmark, whether you want to dive into its warm waters, go surfing, or just take in the views from above in a helicopter flight over the Loyalty Islands.

Or perhaps you’d rather harness the constant breeze and go kite or windsurfing, or just sail around the lagoon and spend the day kicking back on the sundeck and catching the odd fish?

With Nouméa only two hours from Brisbane, under three hours from Sydney and less than four hours from Melbourne, New Caledonia is fast becoming a destination where travellers can have it all – including the lagoon!

So whatever you’re into and whoever you are, come and experience New Caledonia’s diverse, fun and beautiful lagoon.

 

For the exhausted parents

Relax in New Caledonia - Island of Pines

Take a short flight or cruise from the capital Noumea to the stunning Isle of Piles, and relax by the lagoon as the sun slowly tracks across the sky.

Recharge your batteries at the Le Méridien Ile des Pins – you couldn’t get closer to the lagoon if you tried!

 

For the kids

New Caledonia Aquarium

Take the kiddies to the colourful underwater world of the Aquarium des Lagons where they’ll be able to get up close and personal with whole schools of fish and other underwater creatures.

Then spend the afternoon snorkelling in the safe lagoon waters around Île aux Canards (Duck Island), Îlot Maître or Amédée Islet.

 

For the food lovers

New Caledonia food - roof

Compliment your taste buds with fresh, delicious seafood – often with a French twist – at a lagoon-side restaurant, such as Le Roof restaurant in Nouméa. This restaurant literally sits out on the water and has a cutout section in its centre exposing the lagoon for diners to see.

Alternatively, grab a sundowner at L’Endroit, and nurse your cocktail as the sun sets over the lagoon’s glistening waters.

 

For the watersport fanatics

New Caledonia Kitesurfing

Get out on the lagoon and get that adrenaline pumping! From windsurfing to kitesurfing or just regular surfing, New Caledonia is a water world of adventure.

You can also go kayaking, scuba-diving or just admire the marine life with a peaceful snorkel through the crystal-clear water. As the second-largest barrier reef and one of the biggest marine reserves in the world, New Caledonia is a diver’s paradise!

 

For the Nature lovers

Lagoon - Aerial view (1)

Get out amongst nature and set sail on the lagoon on a boat and immerse yourself in this beautiful world.

Alternatively, strap yourself into a plane or helicopter and appreciate the world’s largest lagoon from the sky – breath-taking stuff!

Don’t wait another 10 years to visit New Caledonia and its UNESCO lagoon.

Visit New Caledonia’s lagoon for more information on what you can do, see and eat in Australia’s closest Pacific neighbour, as well as where you can stay.

READ: Unique New Caledonia: Three must-do experiences

READ: 6 Reasons why New Caledonia is the Perfect Romantic Getaway

You have a weekend in New Caledonia. How do you spend your time in this island paradise? Tell us in the comments below…

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